MONTREAL — It just might be time to drop that Panthers goalie of the future tag for rookie Jacob Markstrom.
Veteran goalie Jose Theodore, who looked fine (core injury) in morning skate, began his NHL days and life in Montreal. So who would you start against a desperate Canadiens team in the midst of their worst start in 70 years in a hostile Bell Center?
Theodore has 263 victories to Markstrom’s one.
Make that two.
Panthers coach Kevin Dineen, who kept the identity of his starting goalie a secret until the opening faceoff, liked what he saw from Markstrom in Saturday’s third-period relief victory over the Islanders, so he went with the stoic Swede.
He had to love what he saw Monday night as Markstrom was phenomenal. He used all of his 6-foot-6 frame to deny the Canadiens on several point-blank chances to lead the Panthers to a 2-1 victory. The Panthers improved to 5-3, their best start since jumping out to 5-1-2 in the 1999-2000 season.
“Sometimes you have to go on performance and Marky played so well in the third period [Saturday] and earned his place in net,’’ Dineen said. “Theo’s our starter and a great player. He’s going to get back in there soon. Jacob not only earned that start but earned that victory.’’
A Jason Garrison hook and an empty Canadiens’ net gave Montreal a 6-on-4 for the final 49 seconds, but again Markstrom stood tall by stopping P.K. Subban’s rocket for his 40th and final save of the game.
“The whole team played unbelievable and stuck to it for 60 minutes. The result is 2-1 win, so that’s absolutely great,’’ Markstrom said.
Conversely, the 29th-ranked Canadiens dropped their sixth in a row to fall to 1-5-2. They are winless in their first five games on their sold-out home ice for the first time in history, turning those “Go Habs Go” cheers to “Boo Habs Boo.”
Beleaguered Canadiens coach Jacques Martin, the all-time winningest Panthers coach before stepping down in 2008, has been compared to the captain of the Titanic in local newspapers.
The Panthers and Markstrom, who was drafted by Martin, were his iceberg.
“I learned a lot and played for Jacques in Ottawa and have a tremendous amount of respect,’’ Dineen said. “You hate to see good people struggle a little bit … in saying that, boy, when you have somebody that maybe their confidence isn’t high yo want to give them a good kick.’’

Tied at 1-1 after a scoreless second period, Dmitry Kulikov, who was all over the ice, flicked the puck on net from the top of the left faceoff circle where Scottie Upshall batted it in at 5:02. It was Upshall’s first goal as a Panther and 15th game-winning goal of his career.
“The chances have been there,’’ Upshall said. “There’s something to chip in and get a goal that’s uplifting. You got to make a living tipping pucks and going to the net.’’
Said Dineen: “He’d be the first to tell you that [he hasn’t played well. He needed a spark and talked about him not worrying about him getting on the scoresheet, but we’ll take it.’’
Although Markstrom could hardly be faulted, Dineen’s decision looked shaky at the start as Max Pacioretty and Erik Cole deflected Raphael Diaz’s blast for a power-play goal at 3:08. It was just the Canadiens’ third power-play goal in 30 attempts, while the Panthers, who began the season 9 for 9 on penalty kills, gave up their fifth power-play goal in the last three games. Pacioretty left the game with an upper-body injury in the second period.
However, Markstrom made eight saves during another Montreal man-advantage, allowing the Panthers to tie it 1-1 on a power play of their own just 24 seconds later when Tomas Fleischmann’s soft shot from the slot squibbed past Peter Budaj, making his first start as a Canadien, at 15:59.
It was the Panthers’ ninth power-play goal of the season, but just the second against any team other than the Lightning.
Booth talks
Ex-Panther David Booth met with a huge media throng in Vancouver on Monday and admitted he cried when Dineen broke the news of the trade before Saturday’s game.
“He did it in a polite and classy way so that made it go over pretty easy,’’ Booth said. “I know they’re turning around the organization. It takes some time. [GM Dale Tallon] has his way of doing things and I wasn’t part of it. You can’t please everybody.
“There are 28 other teams I could’ve went to. I’m glad I came here.’’
Ailing Samuelsson remains in Vancouver
While Marco Sturm jumped right into the fray, Dineen said forward Mikael Samuelsson will remain in Vancouver to further rehabilitate core-related aches that are a carryover from his offseason abdominal/hernia surgeries.
“He’s got the ability to work with someone there that he feels will really strengthen his core for the season and for me that was a priority that he came in feeling good,’’ Dineen said.
Samuelsson, 34, who’s also dealing with visa issues, has played 73 or more games in the past four seasons while averaging nearly 20 goals.

Comments (40 Comments)

One of the best games I’ve seen Kulikov play since he became a regular. Poised in his own end, assertive but careful in the offensive zone (to not get caught out of position when pinching in), and a superb play to thwart a goal in the 3rd period. Nice to see his game rounding into form.

And for all of those who have knocked Weiss over the years, take note that he makes plays all over the ice, having an impact on the game whether it shows up on the scoresheet or not. He should be wearing the C as he leads this team by example.

What can you say about Markstrom that wasn’t said by Harvey. This kid is for real – he was phenomenal! No one ever doubted his physical gifts. It was his head that concerned scouts – that opponents could get him off of his game, the way that Team Canada did in the World Jrs a few years ago. He appears to have made all the right adjustments to the speed of an NHL game and the difference in angles versus playing on the wider International/Olympic-sized rink he played on in Sweden.

Only question is what to do with Clemmenson? Could another trade be coming or will they send Markstrom down to the AHL? I believe that would be a waste of his obvious talent. He’s ready to stay here, even if only to back up Theodore for a while or split the starts with him.

I agree. You can’t send Markstrom down. He needs to stay and learn from Tallas. There are teams that can use Clemmenson since he’s a good back-up. We can get some draft picks or some good young talent for him.

Kulikov looked like great. He’s living up to the billing he got when he was drafted, and don’t forget, defensemen get better as they reach their mid to upper 20’s and he’s still a kid.

As far as Weiss is concerned, he was always a terrific playmaker. Trouble is there are way too many people down here who don’t know hockey and don’t know what to really look for in a player.

I’ve always like Weiss, not only for his skill but his character. In fact, I said a few weeks ago that he should clearly get the C when the topic arose. That said, I think even his game has elevated a notch or two, what with surrounding him with more skill (and character). He certainly deserves any increased success he realizes these next few seasons, as he’s paid his dues.
Karens, I’ve always appreciated your hockey insight, but please stick to the game (versus broad strokes about us stupid Floridians).

FL, I said most people. That statement is not to indict people born and raised in Florida. I’ve met people from up North who are clueless. They don’t see the intangibles that Steven Weiss brings to the game. But these are the same people who maligned Vokoun, and we can all see what he’s doing with a good team in front of him. Imagine if he stayed. Between Vokoun and Markstrom, with this team we might have been 8-0 also.

Fair enough. And, yes, despite all of the rightful excitement below about our current three goalies, Vokoun probably is the best of the 4 right now and last year. I hated to see him go, but fully understand it. And we’re lucky to be pretty solid in net at this time. My concern about Vokoun as things wound down wasn’t his skill, but his head. While he stayed professional under the circumstances, he did eventually start to complain (I know, who wouldn’t have), and that usually doesn’t go over too well in the locker room.

Markstrom is off to a great start, but I’ll reserve high praise for the moment. It’s just too early to go ga-ga over this kid with back to back wins against 2 of the league’s worst clubs right now. He’s clearly a highly-skilled goalie with very good instincts in the largest frame I’ve ever seen in net. He gets down amazingly quick and locks up that 5-hole tight. He gives you nothing down low. That spread only allows a couple of inches post to post.

It’s clear that there’s not much confidence in Theodore’s ability to carry us through, so eventually the decision has to be made on a starter. With Clemmensen’s return very close, our goalie situation is gonna bring alot of intrigue. It’s between Clem and Theodore as to who’ll be gone at the mid-season break.

Great to see Upshall get his first. Sturm looked good, too. We’re doing all right with what we’ve got and I’m anticipating Samuelsson’s help will establish a solid, consistent PP threat. The Nucks didn’t wanna lose him for good reason.

By the way my new thing is I have a crash on Kennedy-this kid is a supernova
!!! all by himself he jumped from not making the team to 3rd line, second and now powerplay…i just love self made guys that make it without anybody’s help or protection !

Don’t know what games you’ve watching over the past few days, but Kennedy has played very well. Excellent forechecking, worked the cycle very well and was responsible defensively. While Upshall got his first goal and had some good moments, I thought Kennedy outshined him just about every facet. Give the kid credit, he’s working hard and playing out every shift.

Markstrom played like a beast. He and Theodore need to be the two goaltenders we have up here. Theodore plays amazing as well. Unfortunately for Clem, he may be the odd man out here. But face it, if Markstrom has a bad game and he will have a bad game.. I would rather have Theodore come off the bench in relief..

The team as a whole played great, and Sturm looked good as well. He got the puck in deep and our fore check was right on.. Weiss, should absolutely be our next captain.

Eric.. reserve what judgement? Markstrom just got his second NHL win IN Montreal. I don’t care how bad a team is playing.. Montreal is the mecca for NHL hockey. We just walked in there and stole two points in front of the 296th consecutive sell out crowd in that arena. That’s a fan base that’s seen 15 cups. They have more history on that jersey than we do as a franchise. One time I was invited down to the locker room with my family for an autograph signing after a game against the Capitals.. this was back when they were the laughing stock of the NHL. We destroyed them that night. Any who, Lance Pitlick (remember him) came up to me and me being a young kid, I said hey nice win. He responded by giving me a thank you. I said they weren’t too hard, though. He literally stopped walking and looked into my eyes and said “oh, they’re ALL hard”. Markstrom is for real people. He and Theodore are an epic goaltender combo and there is no way Tallon gets rid of Jose. He would be a perfect mentor.

Between the two, Theodore is the much better mentor. He knows what it’s like to come into the league as “the next best thing” and he probably has a very good book on most shooters in the league. Much more to learn from him as opposed to Clemmenson.

Great performance by The Alien and everyone in front of him. Love to see Jacques Martin looking ill behind his bench and hearing Hab fans boo their team. For all the games I’ve been to here with those obnoxious Hab fans its just delightful to know we kicked them while they were down… as Coach D commented about!

As good as Markstrom was, he certainly lets up a lot of rebounds. You can be assured that once teams scout him they will be crashing our net and scoring. As for Thedore or Clemmenson they are both capable. Clem had 25 wins with NJ the season before he signed witht he Panthers which is why the Panthers signed him. The question becomes if you are going to trade one which one brings the most value back. To say that Theodore is a better mentor is meaningless. He isn’t on the ice with him at the same time during a game like Jovo and Guds. They have a goalie coach for a reason. He’s played 7 periods this year. The last 4 super successful. It’s early. Let’s not annoit him the greatest just yet. He’s good but he’s got a lot of hockey left this season. I will say he definately deserves to start the next game. He’s hot so you might as well go with him. Let him shine before Clem comes back and put the pressure on Theodore to excel in his next start. Keep in mind people that we’ve beaten Tampa twice and the Islanders twice. Not exactly the top of the conference right now. I’m as excited as everybody but it is still early. Let’s see where we are in another 12 games.

Clem will put pressure on no one. He’s a mediocre journeyman goalie who is horrible at shootouts. Trade him for a bag of pucks. Let Jose and Alien keep going at it … Markstrom is the type of goalie that can make a playoff run single handed! The future is now…

Markstrom played a great game. Perhaps the best we’ve seen this season so far. The Habs were clearly snakebitten and could not score a goal to save their own lives. Nevertheless, Markstrom demonstrated that when the defense scrambles in front of him he can come up with the big saves and he has the physical attributes to make finding an open part of the net very difficult for opponents. If he can just control his rebounds better, this kid will be the real deal. Opposing teams will get very frustrated trying to score on him because he doesn’t leave much open for shooters. I liked what I saw last night. Florida just needs to work on creating more offense and they might have something to work with. I can’t believe I am actually saying this, but this roster has potential. I’m not ready to say playoff potential yet, but they have the pieces necessary to frustrate and shutdown opposing teams. This is a key skill Florida has been missing for years.

Yep, a big improvement over what we’ve had here before – which sadly isn’t saying all that much.

As I’ve said before, it will take about 20 games before anyone knows how these new pieces will fit together and how well specific players fit into the mix.

It is important for this team to make the playoffs, but the future is what is all important and that future is going to depend on input from their young prospects. All elite teams have at least an elite player or two on their roster and as nice as this Panther team appears to be, they still don’t have that. That is what will get the Panthers to a level where they can compete on a regular basis with the league’s best.

As stated by all good game. Markstrom & Theodore pretty much have to be the duo with Clem the odd man out. There are teams in need of a goalie, Columbus for one. This is the best case senario I had hoped for, Theodore gets pulled in a game and Markstrom comes in and plays outstanding.

I think Clemmer gets traded when he gets back. Markstrom is playing great, but let’s keep things in perspective. It’s early and I like the idea of him backing up Theo and getting used to a full NHL season before being anointed the starter for good. But you see the physical skills and the kid has got the goods to be a franchise #1. Just don’t blow his development, Panthers, please?

How’s this for a fantasy scenario? If Columbus is needing a goaltender, trade Clem Or Theo, throw in Els & one more forward, a high draft pick for Rick Nash? Just thinking out loud here

Now Karen, I have to disagree about Vouki. He didn’t want to be here & it showed last year. Look at Weisser, he’s had to deal with 10 yrs of mediocrity & he still shows up every nite. Vouki gave up so F**K Him. as far the team being 8-0 fugetaboutit No matter how good ur goalies are you NEED TO SCORE GOALS! Let’s get 2,3,4 goals nite in and nite out & we’ll win a lot of games.
Marky & Theo have both looked good but as MrGreencard said, we beat Tampa & NYI’s & lost miserably to Pitt, Wash & Buffalo..When we beat the elite teams then we can give ourselves props but the team looks like they’re coming together & it’s a long season. We finish 5 or 6 games over 500 after 20 games then the rest of the league are gonna know WE’RE FOR REAL

Finally something to be optimistic about!Red Baron indicator is now at neutral.

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About the author

HARVEY FIALKOV, a tennis-playing sportswriter who grew up in Long Island following the dynastic Islanders, is the new Panthers beat writer for the Sun Sentinel and looking forward to writing about the best professional sports team in Broward County.